Palatine Hill - Farnese Gardens

(Local Name: Orti Farnesiani) The Farnese Gardens were laid out in the 16th century by Vignola for Cardinal Alessandro Farnese and were completed by Rainaldi. Like the gardens of the Villa d'Este at Tivoli, these gardens with their terraces and pavilions, their lawns and flowerbeds, their groves of trees and fountains, were designed to provide a kind of stage-setting for gatherings of like-minded people. The Arcadia literary academy met here in the 17th century, leaving a small nymphaeum as its memorial. The stucco decoration is of interest as well as the fountains themselves. The remains of the palace of Tiberius lie under the gardens. Excavations - still very far from complete - have brought to light remains of an atrium.